Connecticut Select Homes | Fairfield County CT Real Estate

It is careful planning and knowing how to spruce up your home that will make it have an edge against the competition and turn it into an irresistible home.

Here are a few helpful tips:

Hire a Handy Man

Now is the time to fix leaky faucets, re caulk, fix loose door knobs and broken appliances.  Pay close attention to the entry way as this is where the buyer’s first impression begins. Touch up painting can also go a long way to making a house show it’s best. Also, if a room is painted a strong color consider changing it to a neutral.

De-Clutter

Many houses have just too much clutter. A general rule of thumb is…If you don’t need it, get rid of it.

Pack up those knick knacks and remove excess books on the bookshelves.  Clean up everything on kitchen counters as well as removing photos from refrigerators etc. You will be surprised at how much this opens up the spaces in your house. Don’t fret, just think of this work as beginning your packing.

Try to clear high traffic areas of too much furniture. Almost every home shows better sparsely furnished. Leave just enough furniture in each room to show off the room. Leave plenty of room for traffic flow. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage.

De-Personalize the Space

Try to move from the thought of living in your house to selling your house. How you live in your house is different from how you prepare it for sale. Remove photos, posters, any personal items throughout the house. You want buyers to imagine their own things in the house. Remember…..the object is you want them to imagine themselves living in the house!

Family heirlooms? Remove the items that you intend to take with you that are fixed to the house. This averts any problems that could arise once you secure a prospective buyer. If you have special window coverings or fixtures it is better to replace them now than create a problem with them later. If the chandelier in the dining room is a family heirloom, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, they won’t fall in love with it.

Organize, organize, organize!

If a buyer sees everything organized, they will determine that you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. Remember, prospective buyers will be opening closets and cabinet doors. Organize cabinets, closets, bathrooms and bookshelves.

Clean, clean and clean again!

Keep your house clean every day! Vacuum and make sure that childrens’ toys are picked up each time the house is to be shown. Rent a pressure washer if  the exterior of your house is dirty. Wash windows. Clean out the refrigerator.  Polish mirrors, faucets and stainless appliances. Hang up fresh towels. Invest in a few new ones if needed.

Curb Appeal.

Make sure you keep up with mowing  the lawn. The curb appeal of the outside of your house is crucial. Trim your bushes. Plant pots with flowers and remember to keep them watered. Paint any faded or peeling doors, windows or trim.

Remember first impressions are crucial. A bit of planning and some old fashioned elbow grease will go a long way to making your house show to sell!

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